Mesut Ozil is Gunner have to improve his form to net World Cup spot, says Joachim Loew

Mesut Ozil has struggled for form since the turn of the year (Picture: AP)

Mesut Ozil has been warned his World Cup place with Germany could come under threat if his form for Arsenal does not improve.

Germany head coach, Joachim Loew, speaking ahead of tonight’s friendly against Chile laid down the law for his under-performing stars – stating he will not pick his squad on reputation.

Ozil’s form following his £42.5m summer move to the Emirates Stadium has been called into question in recent weeks, particularly after his penalty miss against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16, first-leg tie.

The former Real Madrid man has found himself on the sidelines since – left out of the squad entirely against Sunderland and introduced after 66 minutes in the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat away to Stoke.

‘We need the best players currently available at the World Cup,’ said Loew. ‘And not theoretically the best. ‘I’ve told the players the clock is ticking, and only ones who hear it will have a fighting chance.’

However Loew, who took over from Jurgen Klinsmann as Germany head coach in 2006 after two years as his assistant, said the warning was not just for Ozil, but for the whole squad with the World Cup just 99 days away.

He added: ‘This is an appeal to all, and a wake up call to many to work on their training, their routine, and their professionalism as now is the optimal time before the tournament.’

Loew’s options in midfield may depend on the fitness of the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira and the decision on where to play captain Philipp Lahm, who has been transformed into a holding midfielder at Bayern by Pep Guardiola and recently admitted he wanted to play in midfield for the national team.

Talking to Kicker, a German sports magazine, Loew said: ‘On paper we have seen a top team, but the reality is at the moment a bit different.

‘Several players were injured for months, while others have to struggle with a lack of rhythm and its form.’

Calls to drop Ozil have been made by Lothar Matthaus, the most-capped German footballer of all time.

‘If Ozil is at his best, he can help,’ he said. ‘But the recent performances have raised doubts. If I compare him to those in Bayern’s midfield, I think I’d rather have someone like Toni Kroos in the side than Ozil.’